Did you know that Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa? It’s located in
northern Tanzania and stands at an impressive 5,895 meters. Not only that, but it’s also the world’s tallest free-standing mountain! Many hikers dream of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa.
There are three peaks on Kilimanjaro: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the highest peak, standing at an elevation of 5,895 meters and is the ultimate destination for climbers (Uhuru Peak).
Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, has several popular climbing routes, each offering unique features and experiences. These routes are the Marangu Route, Lemosho Route, Rongai Route, Umbwe Route, Northern Circuit Route, and Shira Route.
About Machame Route
The Machame route is a great option if you’re looking for a scenic and challenging climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. Although it is possible to complete the climb in six days, the route is designed for seven days. The six-day trip option requires skipping Karanga Camp.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, one of our professional drivers will meet you and transfer you to the Green Mountain Hotel in Arusha. After arriving at your hotel, take some time to relax before your mountain guide visits in the evening for a briefing and gear inspection prior to your trek.
Meet with your climbing team at the hotel and drive to Machame Gate. The Machame gate is located at the southern base of the mountain. On arrival at the park gate, your guide will help with all necessary registration formalities while the porters sort out the luggage. Our Kilimanjaro expedition starts after obtaining our entrance permit. We hike through the rainforest, where we can see some of the endemic plants of Kilimanjaro, such as the impatiens kilimanjari or Elephant trunk.
We can also see junipers, sycamore trees, tree ferns, and moss. We will get our lunch halfway to fuel up the remaining hours of hiking to our first camp for today. We will provide you with hot water for washing at the campsite. Enjoy your first dinner on the mountain with us. Welcome to Machame Camp!
Accommodation: Machame Camp Vegetation Zone: Moorland Elevation: 1800 amsl
Hiking time: 5 hours
Hiking distance: 11 km
Enjoy your first breakfast on Kilimanjaro! You deserve a heavy breakfast as the trail is steep today. We leave the camp soon after breakfast and walk over the rocky ridge on the Shira Plateau. We can get a nice view of Shira Peak and Shira Plateau. We
will have our picnic lunch before climbing the last steep ridge closer to the camp. We can see our campsite for today as we finish the last steep part of the day. When we arrive at the campsite, your waiter will bring hot water for washing. After the tea/coffee break, we leave the camp for a short walk to Shira cave and climb higher for acclimatization. We return to the campsite for a delicious dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Shira Cave Camp Vegetation Zone: Moorland Elevation: 3750 amsl
Hiking time: 6 hours
Hiking distance: 5 km
We check out Shira to Baranco Camp after a heavy breakfast. We will arrive at the junction connecting the climbers from the other side of the Lemosho route. We head to Lava Tower 4600 amsl, the highest point for today. After a hot lunch at the lava tower, descend to Barranco camp for dinner and overnight.
Hiking from Shira Cave to lava tower: 4 hours, 7 km Hiking from lava tower to Barranco Camp: 2 hours, 3 km Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Elevation: 3900 amsl
Today we climb the Barranco wall. We begin our climb by crossing the river. The trail is very narrow and steep, except for traffic. Cross a famous part of the Barranco Wall, where you hug and kiss Rock to step on the other side. The walking poles are not necessary in this section.
Within an hour, arrive at the top of the Barranco wall for fantastic photos. Short break and descend to the last water point (Karanga River), where we climb the last steep section of the day. We will have our hot lunch and dinner at Karanga Camp.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert Elevation: 3995 amsl
Hiking time: 4 hours
Hiking distance: 6 km
The next camp is not far, and the trail is less steep today.
We will arrive at Barafu camp earlier for a hot lunch so that you spend the rest hours of the day relaxing. Unlike other days, expect an earlier dinner. Get yourself enough resting time to energize for a summit night.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert Elevation: 4673 amsl
Hiking time: 4 hours
Hiking distance: 4 km
Today is a momentous day that you have been eagerly anticipating. You will wake up at around 11 pm to get ready for the summit. After a light breakfast, we will embark on our summit adventure around midnight. Your head guide will lead the way, setting a comfortable pace. It is crucial that you heed the advice of your professional guides to reach Uhuru Peak safely and comfortably.
We will take a short tea break at Stella Point, which is situated at 5756m. After an additional hour of hiking, we will arrive at Uhuru Peak, which stands at 5895m. At
Uhuru Peak, take the time to relish the breathtaking views and capture photos before descending to base camp for breakfast and lunch.
After lunch, we will leave Barafu and head to Mweka Camp, where we will spend our final night on Kilimanjaro.
Hiking from Barafu Camp to Stella Point: 6 hrs 4 km Hiking from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak: 1 hrs 1 km Descending from Uhuru to Barafu Camp: 3 hrs 5km
Descending from Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp: 4 hours and 7.5km
Accommodation: Mweka Camp Vegetation Zone: Moorland Elevation: 3100 amsl
After our last breakfast on the mountain, we leave Mweka Camp, descending about 3 hours to Mweka Gate. On arrival at the gate, we will get lunch, collect certificates and then drive to Green Mountain Hotel in Arusha for a shower and celebrations.
Today is your last day in Tanzania. We can arrange a day-trip tour to Arusha Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Napuru Waterfalls, or Ilkidinga Cultural Tourism before airport time. Alternatively, you can choose to extend your stay and explore more of Tanzania’s attractions.
Request Quote Now
